The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reviews the following four areas to determine eligibility:
1. Military Service
- Veteran must have served a minimum of 90 days of active duty. 1 of those days must be during a period of war:
- World War II – 12/7/41 through 12/31/46
- Korean Conflict – 6/27/50 through 1/31/55
- Vietnam – 8/5/64 through 5/7/75*
- The Veteran must have received a discharge from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable
*also Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam – 2/28/61-5/7/75
2. Health
- The need for assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) – bathing, dressing, cooking, medication management etc. or
- The claimant is legally blind or nearly blind, or
- A diagnosis by a doctor of Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia, or
- The need for a “protected environment” to protect the claimant from the hazards and dangers of his or her daily life may be accepted
3. Income versus Medical Expenses
The VA compares the relationship between a claimant’s income (Social Security, pension(s) and all other fixed income) and medical expenses (assisted living, home care, skilled nursing, adult day, and health insurance premiums). If the claimant spends all of their income on countable medical expenses, they should be entitled to the maximum monthly income from the Department of Veterans Affairs. If the claimant spends a portion of their income on care related medical expenses, they may be eligible for a partial benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
4. Savings/Net Worth
The VA does not designate a specific dollar figure to determine if someone is eligible for the benefit. The number is different for every person/family who applies. The VA looks at every claim individually and makes a net worth determination based on the facts and circumstance of the case. If there are significant assets, benefits may still be awarded depending on care expenses, however if you are in this situation, please seek the assistance of Veterans Financial with this issue prior to proceeding. A mistake can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in benefits.
Learn More:
How To Apply For Aid & Attendance Benefits
Click Here to learn more about the VA’s Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit. There is no cost or obligation to speak with someone from Veterans Financial, Inc.
